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Plumbing is an essential part of homes and other buildings. When your plumbing system malfunctions, it can significantly impact your day-to-day life. You may need to find a plumber to fix any issues, or you may need to replace old pipes or fixtures. Whether you’re hiring a plumber for the first time or you want to find a new plumber near me for regular maintenance, it helps to ask some questions about their services and their business practices before you hire them. Any reputable plumber should be willing and able to answer these questions so you can determine if they are someone you trust with this critical job. 

What is the scope of work?

The scope of work is a written description of the tasks required to complete a job. You should get a written scope of work from any plumber you hire. This written scope should include the work the plumber will do, a description of any materials the plumber will use, and the cost. Any written scope of work should be detailed enough so you and the plumber understand what is needed. You must understand what the plumbing services include and what they do not include. You don’t want to be surprised or disappointed with the work done or not done.

Do you have licensing and insurance?

All plumbers must have a license to do the work. Each state has different requirements for licensing, but in general, a plumber should have completed a training program and passed an exam. A plumber’s license number should be on their business card. You can check to see if a plumber is licensed and if any complaints have been filed against them at the state level by checking the state website. Your plumber should also have General Liability Insurance that covers their plumbing business. This insurance protects them and you in case of an accident or property damage.

How much will the services cost?

Before work begins, the plumber should give you an estimate of how much the job will cost. The estimate should cover the materials used, and the time it will take for the work to be done. An estimate is not a guarantee of what the work will cost. Any unexpected materials or problems during the job could increase the cost of the work. Any estimate should include an amount for a disposal fee if the plumber will remove an old component and install a new one. Any estimate should be in writing and include a description of the work, materials to be used, and the cost for the entire job.

What are your payment terms?

Plumbers are usually paid for their work by the hour or the job. An hourly rate may be lower, but a job-based payment system may pay more at the end of the job if there are no further issues or problems. When you talk to your plumber about payment terms, ask if they will put the terms in writing. The payment terms can affect how you pay for the work. Some plumbers may want payment upfront or before work begins. Others may wish to pay at the end of the job. Some plumbers only accept cash or checks for payment. Others may accept credit cards or electronic payments. Your payment terms will also factor in selecting a plumber because they will help you budget the job.

Are there any guarantees or warranties?

Many plumbers offer guarantees or warranties on the work they do. These are promises that the work is done correctly and that the materials used are the best for your situation. Any guarantees or warranties should be in writing, so you have proof of the promise. A warranty on materials used should last a minimum of one year and often longer. A warranty on the work being done correctly typically lasts for one year. Some plumbers may offer to extend the warranties on materials to two or three years.

How long do you expect the job to take?

No one can tell you exactly how long the work will take. There are just too many variables that could affect the amount of time needed. Your plumber should be able to give you an estimate of how long the job will take. Any plumber who gives you a specific time for the job should be asked to put that estimate in writing. This written estimate should include the hours they expect to spend on the job and a description of what they hope to accomplish in that time. If the plumber’s estimate is much different than the time needed to finish the job, you should ask why. Plumbers are often late to begin work or may delay getting materials.

Conclusion

When hiring a plumber, it can be easy to focus on the skills needed to repair or replace the plumbing system in your home or business. By asking the right questions, you can get a better idea of what kind of service you can expect and how much the job will cost. You should also consider the other factors that go into the hiring process. By asking these 6 questions before hiring a plumber, you can ensure you are hiring an excellent service and getting the best value for your money.